Spinal cord scaffold sends regenerating neurons in the right direction

“Where some parts of the human body are able to heal relatively well following an injury, a damaged spinal cord is one that has a notoriously difficult time. But a new type of artificial scaffold is providing scientists with new cause for optimism. It features a novel design that encourages regenerating neurons to grow towards one another and bridge busted connections more efficiently, offering new hope for improved treatments.  . . . The OIST [Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology] scientists sought to break new ground in this area by focusing on the way neurons grow. Normally, they develop from the center outwards in a radial fashion, but in circumstances where a connection with a neighboring neuron needs repairing, having them grow in a straight line to bridge the gap is more desirable.”   MORE

Image Credit:  NewAtlas.com